Birthday Gifts

It's my birthday today. My husband and I celebrated my special day by having a short road trip from Mississippi to Florida. t was fun! I was craving for a meal that was sold by Miller's Ale House and the nearest location from us is in Pensacola. Off we did go! For birthday presents, I really did not wish for anything. I have a Taylor 110 at guitarcenter.com which my father-in-law had given me, its hidden in the closet and I never played with it. So, for now ... I don't wish for anything but, good health for today and always. 

Updating my Blog

Hello ... hello! I am updating my blog today! It's been quiet a while huh? How's my online friends these days? Since my last post, I found two jobs, I became a workaholic, I eat out a lot (still) , we bought a new house with a pool, we rescued a dog from a shelter, we have two guinea pigs and last week, I have a major surgery. So, what's new with y'all?

 

I was actually excited that I had my 6 weeks FMLA. The only not so great about it is, I will have no pay for 6 weeks too. But, I saved for rainy days so; I have budget to buy the MF's top sennheiser hd-280 pro headphones . How's that huh? Anyway, check out my next post, I will share my ordeal while having this surgery. Thanks for stopping by.

#Saxophone #Mouthpiece

Yes, I love my new phone and I have been using it to download music. One of my favorite collections is the single of Chuck Mangione's "Feel So Good". I was watching the video in YouTube and I just love that song. I just wish that there are more artists in this generation that can play saxophone as good as that. I play guitar but, I never tried saxophone. I would like to try to play a saxophone as long as I will have my own beechler alto sax mouthpiece. Can you guess why?

Organizing Stuff

I woke up early today and started to watch TV. I want to be productive today because yesterday was terrible. I have a headache and for the whole day, all I did was lay in bed. That will not happen today. I plan to clean the rooms and organize stuff. I will treat my husband for a crab legs dinner tonight too. Of course, as I organize later on I will be stopping to play my guitar. I bought a new songbook and I am learning to play contemporary songs. Hey, if you are looking for music accessories and musical instruments, you should visit this site ab10.

Music Inspires

Music inspires me especially when I'm sad and lonely. I just play my guitar or just messing with the piano using the iPad app. Doing those activities help me forget the things that worries me. I remember when I was in high school, I love to compose songs. The idea of having an instrument that helps me compose a song so easily comes to my mind after watching a musical film. I was a dreamer you know? As I grow older and even though my interest has detoured to another direction, I am still fascinated to own any technical software such as Push.

Soothing Music

It's been a long time since I went to bar-hopping with friends. It was fun and the music was loud! Bar-hopping gradually stopped when I started working. Did I missed it? Not at all! Maybe it was fun when I was with the company of friends and enjoying the night life listening to music played by DJ's but, my outlook about life and fun changed when I graduated college.

When hubby and I went to a cruising trip to Bahamas, one of the activities by the poolside was a live band show with a DJ. We were on the top deck listening the mixed of music played by the DJ on what looked-like a pioneer cdj 2000. Some of the guests started an exuberant dancing as they danced along to the infectious Caribbean music. That moment was fun. The music was soothing to my ear. It was so much different.

If I Could Turn Back the Time

Oh if I could turn back the time, I would love to go back to my college days. I will not change a thing though. My past is a reflection of who I am now so; I am satisfied. I just want to have a quick look in those happy times with my friends, classmates and workplace. Singing as a hobby is part of my growing up and it became an outlet from my disappointments of life which is a good thing you know. I was surrounded with positive people too who enjoyed clean fun, good music, pure friendship and most of all, great camaraderie.

When I was in elementary, my aunt bought an exceptional student guitar for all of us. My cousins and I play the guitar everyday and we sing a lot. I was a church choir member too. I had fun with my friends especially at Christmas time. My college life is the highlight of fun. Almost all members in the Glee Club knows how to play a musical instrument or two so; we just enjoyed singing. If I could turn back the time, I would love to be in the little theatre with glees, practicing a repertoire.

Out of Tune

The sound of the guitar depends on the quality. I am not sure which guitar brand is better than the other but, I am happy with what I have for now. If only I can afford to buy a gadget like the Bigsby Vibratos which would definitely increases the tone and sustain.

When I play the guitar for hours, I just quit every time it is out of tune and it's a problem really. The tune won't stay long as it came loose from my strumming. I heard that this gadget can be of great help. And besides, the sound will be better too for it helps sustain the plucking. I will consider buying this anytime next month.

Playing the Musical Instruments

It takes a talent to play the different types of musical instruments. Well, anybody has the potential to learn to play the piano and guitar because both are popular instruments. Most of my Glee Club friends can play those instruments and as for me I know the guitar. No one has interest to play other instruments though. One or two plays the saxophone and drums.

The exciting banjos for instance, only one in my circle knows how to play it. I call him Lolo (Grandpa) Bob and he has friends who played banjos too. When they get together, they make beautiful music together. Honestly, I prefer Lolo Bob plays his guitar than banjos. I can sing a long with it that's why.

Great Sounding Amps

The sound system is very important in every social events such as wedding reception, birthday party, alumni homecoming, anniversary celebration and the list will be endless to mention. Events could be in ruined and programs will not turn out the way it should be if you use a second rate sound system and amps. I read the reviews of ampeg amps at musicians friend and majority gave a positive feedback.

If you are looking for a great amps which are very light to carry to all your gigs, events and activities, you should check this out first. Do not spoil an event. Get the great amps that deliver the result!

An Egnater Tweaker as Christmas Present

I was born in the generation when disco music became the fad and bands like Village People, ABBA and Bee Gees are among the favorites of teenagers. Music has always been part of our daily activities for it balances life after a hectic routine of the day. From that time up to now, listening to music never wanes. My cousin who loves to hang out with friends collects musical instruments and every weekend, they play with their drums and guitars.

Of course he is keen to sound boxes in fact; he works overtime to buy egnater tweaker 40 at GC by December as his Christmas present for himself. He has other priorities but in time, he wants to own just like this to make their music gig more fun.

Audio Materials

When I was in college, I was a working scholar in the main library. I was assigned in the counter where students and faculty loan-out books for few days. Sometimes, if it is slow, I put the books back on the shelves. I love the smell of books and I love working in the library. My work schedule was up to 7 PM and I have a Glee Club practice at 8 PM. I would then get the key of the Little Theater from the in-charge of the Audio-Visual Office, which is part of the library. There is a small booth in the Little Theater which houses the audio material and operation of the sound system, I took charge of that. I do not fool with other functions except the sound system and the microphones.

 

When our beloved conductor arrives, everything is already set up and we practice right away.  After the practice, I make sure that the Little Theater is securely closed and I will then; turn-over the key to the night guard in the campus. In the Audio Visual room, there are so many materials which for me are fascinating to manipulate. Similar audio material like the tone hammer at musician's friend, they have that. By now, they improved a lot with all those new and high tech gadgets for audio-visual usage. Oh yeah, I am reminiscing my college days and I had a wonderful memories in it.

I Miss Playing my Guitar

Okay, I will admit that though I have a guitar, it's been sitting there in the corner for so many months now. I quit playing when the fourth string broke and I always forgot to buy the replacement even if, I frequent the mall. Seeing this guitar reminded me to go and buy that string so I can play again.

Do you like this guitar? You can check out some of the exceptional yamaha pacifica at musicians friend. I wish to buy a new guitar and give my old one to my cousins. The only problem is the high shipping cost so; I guess I will stick with my old one. Besides, how can it be old when I did not use it more often, right?

Musical Instrument Add-Ons

I am not really keen about true vibrato for telecaster because I don't pay attention to the added accessories of any musical instruments. Yet, I know that having a true vibrato will certainly enhance the sound of musical instrument. Add-ons such as the true vibrato might be expensive but for the band or for those who do gigs all the time, this gadget is worth buying for.

Last Friday, we went to a neighborhood restaurant in Cape Canaveral and they have a live band that started playing at 6 PM. I do remember now that the guitarist has some gadgets on his guitar. For all I know, it could be a bigsby b5 and he did play great. He even had a solo just plucking and strumming his guitar and everyone in the bar just appreciate the sound he made. Well, the gadget must be it!

Learning to Play the Guitar

Learning to play the guitar is not that hard. You can start with the easy chords such as the given chords below. There are songs that have only 3 or 4 chords in the entire composition so; start from that level. Once you know how to play the guitar, you will never forget. As for me, I love learning the chords of my favorite songs and because I love singing, it is just spontaneous. Do you want to learn to play the guitar?

Do you have a guitar? To start with this hobby, you should buy a guitar first. You can save on online music gear retailer at guitar center and do not forget to buy a music book that shows images and graphic guitar chords. I tell you, you will love this hobby and you will appreciate music even more.

Love of Music

My nephews and nieces love to manipulate anything that creates sound. It could be a guitar, drums or keyboard; they just love to explore these musical instruments. When I was in college, I have a keyboard. It was from my father and even though I don't play with it, I keep it for years until my brother asked if my nephews can keep it. I just gave it to them.

When I was shopping at the mall about a week ago, I saw a nice keyboard on display in a music store. I was tempted to buy it and give it to my brother for his musically inclined children. I was torn between buying a korg keyboards from musicians friend or the one on display. I would probably ask my brother's opinion first. I am sure my nephews would be delighted to have it. After all, they already made a piano recital before so; having the new keyboard would be exciting. It could flare up their music enthusiasm even more.

Lead Me Lord

I took these pictures last month during the winter snap. The view was beautiful even without the sun. Seems that clouds relay a message spoken only by the heart...hmmm! When we go down the beach, I love to listen to this song sung by Gary Valenciano.

Lead me Lord, lead me by the hand
And make me face the rising sun
Comfort me through all the pain
That life may bring
There's no other hope
That I can lean upon
Lead me Lord Lead me all my life.
Walk by me, walk by me across
The lonely road that I may face
Take my arms and let your hadn
Show me the way
Show the way to live inside your heart
All my days, all my life.
Refrain: You are my light
You're the lamb upon my feet
All the time my Lord
I need You there
You are my light I (just) cannot live alone
Let me stay
By Your guiding love
All through my life
Lead me Lord
Lead me Lord Even though at times
I'd rather go alone my way
Help me take the right direction
Take Your road Lead me Lord
And never leave my side
All my days
All my life.
You are my light
You're the lamb upon my feet
All the time my Lord
I need You there
You are my light I (just) cannot live alone
Let me stay By Your guiding love
All through my life
All through my days Lead me, O Lord Lead me Lord.

APO Hiking Society is Winding Down

Today, I visited the Website of Jim Paredes of Apo Hiking Society. I found his Website when I tried to Google about 1986 EDSA Revolution in the Philippines a year ago. On that day, all I did was read his posts whole day. I gathered so many insights and reflections in every thoughts he posted. Apo Hiking Society is an extra ordinary group that will always be in the hearts of Filipino.

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As a Recap: The Apolinario Mabini Hiking Society, popularly known as Apo Hiking Society is a Filipino musical group who started in 1969 at the the Ateneo de Manila high school. The original members were:

• Lito de Joya
• Sonny Santiago
• Gus Cosio
• Renato Garcia
• Chito Kintanar
• Kenny Barton
• Bruce Brown
• Butch Dans
• Kinjo Sawada
• Ric Segreto
• Goff Macaraeg
• Doden Besa
• Jim Paredes
• and Boboy Garrovillo.
• Danny Javier joined the group.

The name APO was in reference to the paralytic Philippine revolutionary intellectual and hero, Apolinario Mabini. "Apo" is also an Ilocano term for a wise man. After graduation, the majority of its members left to pursue individual careers, with only three members remaining: Jim Paredes, Boboy Garovillo and Danny Javier.

Apo has become the principal adherent of the Original Pilipino Music (OPM). The Apo also became involved in record production, talent management and organizing artists under the "Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang-aawit" or O.P.M. which means "Organization of Philippine Singers/musicians". The group expanded its activities into establishing and furthering the careers of new OPM artists in the Philippines. - source: wikipedia.org

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Apo Hiking Society had so far released 22 albums and continues to remain active at present time. Last December 16, 2009, the APO Hiking Society announced that they are already retiring as a group. They will be performing series of shows that will start on February 14, 2010 and will end on May. If you want to visit Mr. Jim's Website, check him in my "Interesting Link List" at the right side of this blog.

Making Music

I know how to play the guitar but, not the piano. I can only play the Do-Re-Mi chords and that's it. In the Philippines, I bought a portable organ but, I only practiced one song and can only master the chorus part of the song "People Alone" of Randy Crawford.

I guess its not too late to study and learn how to play the piano, huh? Well, my father-in-law only play the recorded music in his piano. Every time he play the recorded music, I sing-along to it. I really miss singing in the Church Choir and my Glee Club in College. Music is like a positive charge to life. Without it, routine activities are so draining. Here is one of my favorite song, hoping you like it too.

Take me along
I don't care where you have gone
And I don't have to know
Exactly where you're going

If you leave me behind
Then everything on your mind
Will turn to pictures of the word
We might have been


Chorus:
People alone may go very fast
But maybe not so far
Playing along is still solitaire...
Remember
People alone may reach for a love
But only half as well
People alone may seem satisfied
How can they tell?

If we are crossing the line
Where there's no yours and no mine
We'll find it easy to see
People should be together

People alone may go very fast
But maybe not so far
Playing along is still solitaire...
Remember
People alone may reach for a love
But only half as well
People alone may seem satisfied
How can they tell?

Take me along
Let's not be people alone
I'm on your mind
So please don't leave me behind
Crossing the line
Where there's no yours and no mine

Remembering Michael Jackson

I am not a fan of Michael Jackson but, I admire some of his songs. All the bad publicity and bad rumors, I really do not pay much attention because it is his life and I respect his personal side of the story. Let us not forget that this man has also a private life and not perfect. He was proven not guilty in court but he was still judged as guilty in the eyes of many.

Michael is no King. Michael is not a Role Model. Michael is not a Hero. But, Michael is a good father to his sons and daughter. Michael is a Friend to many. Michael is a good son. Michael loves his fans and no doubt, Michael is the king of Pop. Let us not forget that we are vulnerable to make bad decisions and we make mistakes in our lives. It is not you nor I to judge Michael but only God will.

These are the songs that I love and part of my life. You may say, how? When I was in College, our English teacher gave us a song to "dissect" and it was "Man in the Mirror". It took me a long time to study the lyrics and made me realized how brilliant Michael was. The song has the message of awareness of what's happening around us. That song conveys compassion.

I see the kids in the street
With not enough to eat
Who am I to be blind
Pretending not to see their needs

As a teenager, its amazing that his music influenced me when I was in love and in heartache. Songs such as "I Just Can't Stop Loving You", "One Day in Your Life", "Ben", "I'll be there","Happy", "Music and Me", Ain't No Sunshine" and "She's Out of My Life" are just some of my favorite. When I am inspired I listen to his songs and when I have my first break-up, his songs somehow heal the heartaches. Funny but, the lyrics of his songs are meaningful and the melody are truly wonderful. Soothing to the ear and kept me relax and forget my troubles. Well, as simple as that but he touched my life that way.

Though Michael has "Gone Too Soon", his music will remain in my heart. I know that Michael will be "Happy" to know that some people see him as a person and not as a personality.